Our client was injured before even entering the store, due to a hazard the supermarket should have repaired.
A routine visit to a well known supermarket resulted in significant injury when our client tripped over a damaged manhole cover near the store entrance. As a result of the retailer’s failure to maintain safe access, we successfully secured £10,355 in personal injury compensation.
This case highlights how supermarkets and retailers can be held accountable under occupier’s liability lawwhen they fail in their duty of care.
What Happened? | Supermarket Trip Injury Claim
Our client was walking towards the entrance of a large supermarket, reasonably expecting the area to be safe and well maintained. Instead, they tripped over a clearly damaged manhole cover positioned directly outside the store entrance.
Injuries Sustained
As a result of the fall, our client suffered suffered:
- Wrist injuries with ongoing pain
- Bruising to multiple areas of the body
- Emotional distress and disruption to daily life
- Reduced mobility and time off work
Crucially, no warning signs or barrierswere in place at the time of the accident. Only after the incident was reported did the supermarket add warning signage, too late to prevent injury.
Why This Was a Successful Occupiers' Liability Claim
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, businesses must take reasonable steps to ensure visitors can access their premises safely.
The supermarket injury claim succeeded due to:
1. A Preventable Hazard
- The manhole cover was visibly damaged
- The defect existed in a high footfall area
- No warning signs or temporary measures were in place
2. Clear Personal Injury
- Physical injuries, including wrist trauma and bruising
- Pain, discomfort, and psychological impact
- Loss of earnings and reduced quality of life
3. Evidence of Negligence
The retailer’s failure to act until afterthe accident demonstrated a clear breach of duty of care.
Learn more about occupiers’ liability claims in public places
Choosing the Right Solicitor for Supermarket & Public Place Injury Claims
Slip, trip, and fall accidents may appear straightforward, but proving liability against large retailers requires specialist expertise.
When choosing a solicitor, look for a firm that:
- Specialises in occupiers’ liability and public place injuries
- Offers No Win No Feeagreements
- Provides clear, compassionate legal advice
Why Choose NJS Law fo Your Occupiers' Liability Claim?
We’ve helped countless clients secure compensation after injuries in supermarkets, shops, and public places, because everyone deserves safe access to premises.
No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.
Why clients trust NJS Law:
- Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from 874 reviews.
- No Win No Fee– no upfront costs
- Dedicated legal teams focused on your recovery
Speak to our occupiers’ liability solicitors today
FAQs | Supermarket Trip & Fall Injury Claims
Can I claim if I tripped outside a supermarket?
Yes. If your injury was caused by poor maintenance on or near a store’s premises, you may be entitled to compensation.
What if the hazard was only marked after the accident?
This can strengthen your claim. Post-incident warnings often show the business failed to act sooner to prevent harm.
How much compensation can I claim for a trip injury?
Compensation varies depending on injury severity, time off work, and long-term impact. In this case, our client received £10,355, but every claim is assessed individually.
View our full guide to public place injury compensation.
Thinking about a claim? Read about Public Liability Claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.